March 9, 2009

Nova

I am typing through tears this morning.

We woke up at 6:30 hearing odd noises, like a mix of growls and moans. We thought it was Harley at first, but when we got up to look, it was Nova.

She was laying sprawled across the crate, breathing really heavily. We took her out, wrapped her in a towel, and I sat on my bed and held her. Joe and I talked and decided to call the vet to see when we could bring her in. If there was any chance they could fix her, we wanted to take it. It was 7:30 when I called. I'm pretty sure the office doesn't open till 9, but when I told Dr. Kaur what was going on, she said we could bring her in at 8. Joe called in to work to let them know he would be running late, and we sat with her for a few minutes until it was time to go. I scratched her head like she loves for me to do, and talked to her. Every few minutes she would moan and stretch like she needed to throw up but couldn't. At one point, I felt her heart stop and she stopped breathing. Joe rubbed her belly and we heard her slowly start to breathe again.

I knew these were probably the last moments we would have with her. I told her what a great cat she was. How I loved when she climbed on my chest and headbutted me so I would pet her when I was trying to read. Or blog. And how sorry I was that this happened to her. No 3 year old cat should have to suffer this way. I kissed her head and gave her one last head rub. We put her in the carrier, and Joe left to get her to the vet.

Around 8:10, Joe called me. He said that she did not make it to the vet. As he drove, he heard her slowly stop breathing. He got to the vet, and went in and told them what happened. They wanted to know what we wanted to do with the remains.

I am not good at dealing with death. It puts me in a panicked state to think about dying and burying and cremating. But we had to make a decision. I grew up burying my pets in my backyard. Hamsters, mice, rats, fish, birds, frogs... you name it, my parents have it in their backyard. But I do believe that is somewhat illegal in these parts, plus this house isn't ours. The most logical thing was to have her cremated. We decided to pay a little extra for her to have a private cremation and have the ashes returned to us. I know that may sound odd to some of you, but it makes me feel better.

Nova may have been "just a cat", but like I said before, she was a member of my family. She was a cat that was always around, loved attention , and we loved her. She will be greatly missed.

Thank you all for the well-wishes for her over the last week. I really appreciate it.


30 comments:

Alicia said...

Oh Stephanie, I am so sorry. I feel awful! I cant imagine loosing Nova like that. Please know that I will be praying for your family...especially the girls. I know at their age its hard to understand.

Amy Green @ Sweet Home Amy said...

Oh gosh, I'm so sorry this happened. She meant so much to you, and that makes this so hard. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family right now!

lmt1073 said...

Oh Stephanie, I'm so sorry. She wasn't even my cat and I'm sitting here crying like a baby. I just know how they become part of our lives and are in a sense, our babies. My thoughts are with you today.

Aileigh said...

I am so very sorry... I understand what you mean. Our dogs were more than just pets to us. I, too, went to the creamation route. I know some people may think it is silly, but Monty is with us everyday looking down from the shelf. My heart is with you...

Susie said...

Stephanie
I am so sorry for your lost. I know Nova will be missed. I hope you have a better week this week with the house.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss, I was pulling for your kitty. I know exactly how you feel, I would be devistated if my puppy passed away. My parents dog passed away after 14 years a few months ago and they also paid for the private cremation- it made us all feel a bit better!

Unknown said...

Stephanie im sooo sorry. i really was hoping she would pull through. How are the girls taking it. I hope this week treats you all well.

Karen said...

Oh, I am so very sorry to hear this. I will be thinking of you. ((()))

Bridgett said...

Oh no. :(
Steph, I am so sorry. Losing a pet is devastating. Nova was a beautiful cat and you guys gave it a valient fight to save her. You can hold your head high that you gave Nova a fighting chance.

As for the ashes, I have some from my pug, Lacey. She died during a routine spay when Parker was 15 months old. I was heartbroken.

Big hugs to you, my friend.

XOXO

JBGRIGS said...

I'm so sorry for your loss (((hugs)))

Kati said...

Ahh! Poor thing! I am sorry sorry gor your loss.. I know how special pets can be to a family.

Brandi said...

I am sooo very sorry for your loss. : ( Losing a cat for me is beyond painfull (they ARE family). I'm thinking of you guys.

Huugs
Brandi

Kristine said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Nova, Stephanie. Hugs.

Monica said...

Sorry for your loss Stephanie. :(

Mamaof3 said...

I am so sorry for your loss Stephanie. I was in tears reading along with you. I'm glad you decided to have her brought back to you. Hugs to you and your family.

-stephanie- said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Nova. No doubt she was a great friend to have around. I understand your sadness.

- said...

I just got your Twitter....This wasn't in my Updates on Blogger...but after I got the Twitter I came over here to see if you had written something!

I thought she was doing so good!
If I were you i'd be really pissed off at that first doctor that you sent her to to be spayed. Wasn't it his fault that Nova got so sick?

I'm so sorry hun! thats awful!

Summer said...

You poor thing!!! I am so sorry....

Do you have any chocolate?

JC said...

So sorry to hear about Nova! Life is so fragile. I wish there was something I could do to comfort you. :) Jennifer

Crystal said...

((hugs)) Its amazing what love people can have for their pets and vice versa. I'm glad you get to keep her ashes that will make it feel like she is still with you.

Lindsay said...

I am so sorry to hear about your cat! I know how hard it is to lose a beloved pet.

EmilytheCreative said...

Oh no! I am so sorry for your loss. She was a part of your family so whatever makes you feel better and helps you grieve I don't see anything wrong with that.

Leslie said...

OH no Steph, *BIG HUGS* I am so so sorry about Novas loss :( I was in tears reading this :( I wish i knew what to say. Just know that you all are in my thoughts, prayers. I know you all loved her so much. She loved you. She was truly a big part of your fmaily & lives. This is just so sad :( Im sorry i wasnt here sooner too hun. i was out of town sun night & monday. RIP Nova, :( Take care Steph, *HUGS*, Leslie

Natalie said...

Stephanie,

Sorry to read this, I know it's tough but losing a memeber of the family, even the fury one's is sooo hard. sending hugs to you and the family

Unknown said...

Oh sad! :( That is a huge bummer...

Tiffany said...

Aww Steph, I'm so sorry! I thought for sure she'd pull through this. :( This entry made me cry. Sorry to hear this horrible news. :(

Terri said...

I'm so sorry for your loss Steph...

Our pets are a part of our family

Big Hugs
Terri

Easton wife said...

Breaks my heart bc I know the relationship I have with my cats and I feel ur pain, sorry girl :( Cass

Bernadette said...

I'm so sorry doll..that's just awful :(

Randee said...

Hello Mrs. Stephanie,
I'm so sorry for your families loss. I know Nova meant the world to you and other members of the family. I had a similar situation happen on Febuary 7 , 2009 . My family and I lost our loving 4 legged family member , "Daphne" She was a BEAUTIFUL 2 1/2 year old Great Pyreneese Dog. She was accidently hit by a Truck going down our road too fast. But , We now have Her Big / Or Little Brother (I DON'T remember who was older in their litter)"Apollo" (Solid White just like Daphne) "Zeuse" White with Tan - Looking markings around his eyes , Ears , Rear end , "Badger" Dark Brown markings around his eyes , Ears , and tail , " Bashful Boy " solid White.

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